Office of Licensing & Ventures
Inventor’s Role
Once OLV has made a decision to seek patent protection for an invention, Duke University hires private attorneys to prepare, file and prosecute the patent application(s). Duke inventors have a role in every part of the patent application process. As a Duke Inventor you will be asked to:
- Speak or meet with the patent attorney to describe the invention and supporting data
- Sign all documents (such as your assignment of the invention to Duke) required for the patent application
- Review the patent application prior to submission
- Update the attorney and OLV on new developments/improvements to the invention
- Help develop responses to “Official Actions” issued by the Patent Authority
- Participate in other patenting matters as they arise
The patent process is not a linear series of actions. Each potential patent will have its own unique challenges during the preparation, filing and prosecution processes. The constant is that the patent process will require a substantial amount of time.